Salim Mehajer hits back at police after run of charges

FORMER Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer has accused police of "appalling behaviour" after racking up a run of charges over the weekend.

After an eventful Sunday morning, the controversial former councillor faces charges over allegedly stealing a taxi driver's EFTPOS machine and throwing it at him, and in a separate incident slamming a woman's hand in the door of the Porsche he used to drive off from the police station.

But Mehajer has hit back at arresting police, accusing a senior constable involved in his arrest on Sunday morning of acting inappropriately.

The property developer posted a video posted to Facebook late Sunday night that appears to show an officer smiling and giving the finger.

"Appalling behaviour by the SENIOR Constable in charge of todays 'ALLEGATIONS'," Mehajer wrote on Facebook.

He added an unattributed quote: "Sir, place a million cameras in front of me and all you'll see is my smile."

Mehajer was arrested just after 5am on Sunday morning in Sydney's Darlinghurst.

Police allege he was involved in an altercation with a taxi driver outside the Star Casino where he snatched the driver's mobile phone and EFTPOS machine and threw it at the man during a disagreement.

Salim Mehajer, former deputy major of Auburn leaves Day St Police station after an assault arrest.News Corp Australia

After he had allegedly jumped into another taxi police arrested Mehajer on the corner of Bourke and William Streets in Darlinghurst.

After spending several hours being interviewed by police, Mehajer's release from custody was just as dramatic as any arrest.

7 News at 6pm: Salim Mehajer asked to leave a taxi when the driver heard he had just been charged with theft and assaulting a taxi driver. pic.twitter.com/qhXHCbOTWP

Mehajer was greeted by cameras, reporters armed with microphones, and a waiting taxi as he exited the police complex.

When reporters explained to the taxi driver the man who had entered his cab had been arrested for allegedly assaulting a fellow cabbie, the driver said he no longer wanted to take the passenger.

The taxi driver decided he didn’t want Salim Mehajer and his friend in his car.News Corp Australia

Mehajer refused to move from the back seat, with police eventually telling him: "He wants you out of the cab."

A police officer asks Salim Mehajer, disgraced former deputy major of Auburn and a friend to get out of a taxi after the driver refused to take them.News Corp Australia

Video shows Mehajer stayed in the taxi while waiting for "alternative transport", and at one point held up a floor mat to conceal his face from waiting cameras.

Police also forced Mehajer to hand back a Channel 7 reporter's microphone which Mehajer claimed she had dropped.

When he finally exited the taxi and made his way to a white Porsche that pulled up to collect him, Mehajer was heard asking the same reporter to "get in the back" for "a chat", before slamming the driver's door on her arm.

The Channel 7 reporter reported the incident to officers at the Sydney City Local Area Command who commenced inquiries.